Board accepts $347,600 low bid for junior-high locker-room termite repairs; construction updates and weather delays noted

The St. Tammany Parish School Board approved acceptance of the apparent low base bid of $347,600 from Steel R Development LLC to repair termite damage in the gymnasium locker rooms at St. Tammany Junior (project P0514).

Construction staff said the work followed discovery of long-term structural damage (laminated wood beams and sagging ceilings) rather than evidence of an active infestation; maintenance staff had not found live termites. Because the sagging ceiling and structural issues affected the locker-room space, the project was elevated on the maintenance priority list.

Board members asked how maintenance prioritizes projects and whether older schools receive the same attention as newer facilities. Staff said safety and security concerns drive prioritization and that maintenance meets regularly to triage work orders; termite-related structural concerns are moved to the top of the list when they present a potential safety or instructional impact.

Vote and project timeline The board voted to accept the apparent low bid; the motion passed unanimously. Staff noted some construction projects across the district were delayed by the recent snowstorm but provided a multi-site status update: Fontainebleau renovations near completion and awaiting final inspections; Saudele High softball locker-room unit installed and sidewalks scheduled; demolition and grading at Fontainebleau site completed for removal of old portable classroom buildings; Mandeville Junior gym locker-room contract executed and upcoming permit/shop-drawing phase underway; several other projects (Little Oak Middle, Folsom Elementary) moved into renovated spaces earlier in the year.

Ending Staff said they will coordinate phasing and transition plans with affected schools and will report scheduling updates as contractors complete inspections and remediation steps.